Postgraduate Research Funding and Scholarship at King’s College London

If you are considering undertaking a postgraduate research degree (such as an MPhil or PhD) at King’s College London (KCL), it is vital to understand what funding options are available. This post will walk you through the key funding schemes, how to find them, and what you should keep in mind.

What kinds of funding are available at KCL

KCL offers several types of financial support for postgraduate research (PGR) students:

Scholarships and studentships: Full or partial funding that may cover tuition fees, living costs (stipend), research costs and sometimes travel or bench fees.
International student research funding: Special schemes for international applicants, either through KCL directly or via external sponsors in collaboration with KCL.
Alternative funding sources: Charities, trusts or external bodies that award grants or bursaries irrespective of the university. KCL provides guidance for these.

How to search and find the right funding

Here are practical steps:

Use KCL’s online funding opportunities database, which lists scholarships, bursaries and studentships relevant to PGR students.
Filter the database by criteria such as subject area, fee status (home/international) and funding type to identify schemes you are eligible for.
For international students: review the “International student research funding” page for schemes open to overseas applicants and external sponsors.
Contact the relevant office (for example, KCL’s Doctoral College or admissions) if you need guidance on eligibility or have specific queries. Note: KCL states they are not able to advise on funding for taught (master’s) programmes when the page is about research funding.

Key examples of funding at KCL

Joint PhD Scholarships: KCL offers specific scholarships for joint PhD programmes in collaboration with partner universities (for example with institutions in other countries). These often cover full tuition, a living stipend and research support.
International student research funding: KCL supports many external schemes for international students e.g. from Chile, Mexico, Turkey, or via partnerships with bodies like the China Scholarship Council.

What you must do to be competitive

To improve your chances of securing funding, keep in mind the following tips:

Research the funding schemes early: Many scholarships open the year before enrolment and have firm deadlines.
Ensure your research proposal is strong and aligned with your supervisor’s expertise (for PhD).
Check your eligibility carefully: fee status (home/international), subject area, required documents.
Prepare references and academic transcripts in good time.
Maintain good presentation in your application: clear writing, no mistakes, meets all the funder’s criteria.
Contact the relevant funding office or Doctoral College for advice if you are unsure.

Specific considerations for international students

Many funding opportunities for international students are administered in collaboration with external sponsors (governments, foundations) and may have country‑specific eligibility criteria, deadlines and procedures.
You will need to demonstrate you can meet visa and maintenance requirements, and check whether the stipend and fees cover living in London.
Some awards may cover tuition fees only, while you might still need to secure funds for living costs. Always check what is included.

Final thoughts

Securing funding for postgraduate research at KCL is a realistic goal if you approach it with care, preparation and awareness of the different schemes. Use the searchable database to find opportunities, target those you are eligible for, and submit a well‑prepared application. Though competition can be strong, a clear plan and early action will significantly increase your chances.

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